The best land based whale-watching!
Every year, some 40% of the world’s southern right whales come to these shores to breed. Females and their calves swim in the clear waters, while males put on spectacular displays. These endangered mammals ensure that the De Hoop Reserve in South Africa is one of the world’s best land based whale-watching areas. As a marine reserve and World Heritage Site, De Hoop guarantees a safe nursery for these pods of visiting cetaceans. They come so close to the shore that visitors can relax on the un-spoilt sand dunes, watching in awe as these beautiful creatures calve, blow, breach and belly-flop.
Horse Trails South Africa
Ranking amongst the most beautiful and certainly one of the most varied horse trails in the world plus lots of game viewing. Especially suited for riders who want to be spoiled and are used to high standards in accommodation and catering… Day 4 includes an overnight stay at our beautiful De Hoop Nature Reserve. Please click on this link for more information about this 8 day Grand Western Cape Safari.
The De Hoop Trail
Walk and experience the natural and cultural history of the De Hoop Nature and Marine reserve with an experienced guide. There are many natural wonders in the world but only a few with such awesome diversity – De Hoop, The Jewel of the Cape.
Stargazing & Star Identification
Experience the magnificent stars and constellations that the clear De Hoop night sky has to offer.Learn about the various star signs and other interesting facts about the sky.Meet at the Fig Tree Restaurant from 20h30.
Times may change according to season and weather conditions.
Please discuss and confirm with the guide.
Rate: R50 per person.
(duration 1 hour)
Interpretive Marine Walk
A walking trail exploring coastal rock pools and sandy beaches while a qualified guide points out interesting marine life forms. Also a great way to experience the Southern Right Whales in the bay between June and December.
Depart half an hour before low tide from Koppie Alleen Parking Area.
Times of daily low tide should be confirmed with the guides the day before.
Rate: R100 per person.
(duration 2 hours)
Guided Mountain Bike Trail
Get the chance to cycle among herds of eland, bontebok and other game species with a qualified field guide who will share his knowledge of less obvious natural and historical aspects of De Hoop.
Depart from Activity Room at various times during the day.
To be booked and confirmed with the guides.
Rate: R100 per person.
(duration 2 – 3 hours)
Guided Bird & Fynbos walk
A wonderful walking experience with a qualified field guide focused on the identification of flowering fynbos and the behaviour of the birdlife found in De Hoop Nature Reserve.Length of walk dependent on fitness levels of participants. Included at no charge in any three night stay excluding campsite bookings.Depart from the meeting tree at the Opstal at 06h00 October – March and 08h00 April – September.
Rate: R75 per person.(duration 1 – 3 hours)
Whale-watching
Quite simply, De Hoop offers some of the best and most accessible whale-watching opportunities in the world. Seven whale species have been recorded in the waters off De Hoop but it is the southern right that is most common. Other less common whale species are the Bryde’s whale and the rare humpback. The reserve, which is a treasure-trove of natural assets protected in a relatively undisturbed state, is approximately 36 000 hectares in size excluding its Marine Protected Area, which extends a further three nautical miles (5 km) out to sea. The size of the Marine Protected Area makes it one of the largest in Africa.
Day trips
Day visitors are welcome at De Hoop and guests may leave their vehicles at any time to walk or cycle anywhere in the reserve as long as they take care not to trample the natural vegetation. Birding, hiking, mountain biking and snorkeling are rewarding activities.
The Fig Tree Restaurant is open all day offering delicious local fare including picnic baskets for alfresco meals.There is a newly surfaced tennis court at the Opstal area – bring your rackets. The Opstal has a swimming pool and there is also a boules courtyard – there is a boules set but if you have one, do bring it!
Conferences & Incentivies
With our wealth of knowledge and experience in arranging excellent conferences in logistically challenging destinations, providing you with an unforgettable and wow! experience in the De Hoop reserve is a pleasure. We have up to 250 beds, a restaurant, team building facilities and can seamlessly take care of your details while you do what you do – run your business.
Mountain Biking
The De Hoop reserve is arguably the most unspoiled section of the Cape coast. Cyclists are welcome to use any of the gravel roads laid out in the western sector of the reserve as long as they take care not to trample the natural vegetation. If frolicking whales and blankets of yellow, orange and red flowers appeal to you, plan cycling in the spring.
Weddings & Romance
De Hoop is a unique and romantic location to celebrate a wedding and honeymoon. With almost year-round sunshine and spectacular natural beauty, the reserve is a memorable and special place to exchange wedding vows.
The Ultimate Family Getaway
The De Hoop Reserve is a safe, outdoor destination with almost year-round sunshine. Children of all ages will relish the freedom to explore the reserve. The endless beach, towering sand dunes, inter tidal rock pools and diverse fauna and flora provide a natural playground for kids to learn. There is plenty to do in De Hoop and guests are spoilt for choice – a 2-night stay will only leave your family wanting more. De Hoop is the ultimate wildlife education for the whole family and has a wide range of accommodation. From camping and caravanning sites and affordable self-catering chalets to more luxurious self-catering cottages and five-star fully catered lodges, there is something for every family.
Entrance Fees:
Adults: R30.00
Kids of the age three to eighteen years: R15.00
Operating hours at gate:
Mon-Thursday & Saturdays gate open at 07:00am and close at 18:00pm
Fridays & Sundays gate open at 07:00am and close at 19:00pm.
All accommodation bookings are handled by De Hoop Collection. www.dehoopcollection.co.za or by Cape Agulhas Tourism Offices.
Contact details:
Contact name: Cape Nature
Phone number: +27 (0) 86 122 7362 8873
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.capenature.co.za